The Wykeham Arms is one of Winchester’s many dog-friendly pubs. So Tilly – giving off a distinct whiff of the Itchen after a brief dip in the cold water to chase a swan – was able to get comfortable under the table while we ate.

The pub was built in 1755 and is a short distance from the cathedral and Winchester College. It won the Good Pub Guide’s “Town Pub of the Year” award in 2016.

About this burger

Date visited: 2 April 2016

Name on menu: “Hampshire Beef Burger”

Price: £14.50

How this burger scored

Pattie – 6/10

Quite dense and not very flavourful.

Cooked to medium and no grease. Not bad overall.

Chips – 9/10

Simple french fries. Lovely.

Could have been a little hotter. But I’m nitpicking.

Bun – 6/10

Brioche-style bun, lightly toasted. Didn’t hold up too well and was a little dry.

Toppings – 6/10

I felt that the onion relish alongside the red onion was a bit too much. Also, the onion relish was more like the consistency of fried onions so would have been better warm rather than chilled.

The cheese didn’t have too much flavour – I struggled to taste it.

The burger also came with a delicious coleslaw.

Ambiance – 9/10

Log fire. Building steeped in history. Array of vintage trinkets adorning the walls and the ceilings. Antique furniture including old school desks complete with doodles scratched into the wood. Clean and comfortable.

A near-perfect score.

Drinks selection and quality – 7/10

The usual array of Fuller’s pub ales with a local ale – Flower Pots “Goodens Gold” (4.8%) – also available.

I had a Goodens, followed by a London Pride. The Goodens was lovely. I’m longer a fan of London Pride though – either my tastebuds are changing or it’s not as good as it used to be.

Both ales were in top condition, by the way.

Condiments – 5/5

Strong English mustard and ketchup on demand.

Presentation – 3/5

The burger itself arrived on a china plate. Yes!

But the plate wasn’t good enough for the fries and coleslaw – they came in mini pails-cum-saucepans. I feel sorry for whoever has to wash up when this happens.

Service – 5/5

We ordered at the bar as we weren’t sat in the restaurant part of the pub.

The bartender acknowledged me as soon as I got to the bar even though she was getting someone else’s drinks order ready. And a waitress came to set up our table moments after I’d placed the order.

Excellent.

Value for money – 3/5

This is the most expensive burger I’ve had so far in my search for Hampshire’s best burger.

A good serving and a nice place to eat. But maybe a couple of quid more than I’d have paid given the choice.

Penalties – minus 1

A meta container for the fries means a one-point deduction.

Total: 58/80

We have a new joint leader with Southampton’s Shrimp and Burger in my search. Ironically though, it was the burger itself that let the side down a bit here.

Info: The Wykeham Arms is at 75 Kingsgate St, Winchester SO23 9PE. Phone 01962 853834. Open every day 11am-11pm.